The Best Wood for Kitchen Utensils

Wood is a great option. It’s soft enough not to damage your cookware and is generally visually appealing and inexpensive. But what is the best wood for kitchen utensils? When you are shopping for wooden cooking utensils you first need to consider:

What sort of wood is best suitable for your cooking needs? Will the wood stain after heavy use or became cracked and damaged easily?

What style of wood will suit the style of your kitchen best? Will it best be complimented by a light or darker shade of wood and will your utensils be on display?

How much are you looking to spend? Some styles of wood can be much more expensive than others particularly if the wood has been treated.

Will the wood wash easily? Will it be damaged by a commercial washing machine or will the treated wood react badly to certain cleaning products?

What different types of wood are available?

Bamboo

Bamboo is the most eco-friendly choice for a wood. Bamboo grows very quickly and as a result it is very easy to replace, this makes bamboo highly renewable and it’s also 100 % bio-degradable. The wood itself is sleek and surprisingly durable; despite this it remains light and flexible. Bamboo utensils have a smooth finish and do not absorb stains or odours, they’re also very easy to clean. If you’re looking to save money, Bamboo is also a great choice as bamboo utensils are inexpensive and commonly available to buy.

Olive Wood

Cosmetically, Olive wood is the most attractive. It has a dark rich smooth finish complimented by the swirls in its appearance. It is also extremely hard and durable, as a result, it cleans easily and means that your cooking utensils will last for longer without requiring any special care or wood treatment. Unfortunately, Olive Wood is at the higher end of the price market as it is marketed as an exotic wood, it is also slightly heavier which can make it more difficult for cooking.

Maple Wood

Maple is a strong hard wood that is extremely durable. This makes your kitchen utensils strong enough not to split after heavy use and due to its hard grain, it is still smooth and sleek enough to wash easily without excessive treatment. Despite this it remains quite an expensive wood to buy, it is also sometimes damaged when exposed to high temperatures meaning it will not last as long as many other types of wood in your kitchen.

Acacia Wood

Another sustainable wood, Acacia wood is relatively eco-friendly as it grows quickly enough to replenish well. It is sturdy enough to cook with but relatively light meaning you can handle it in your kitchen fairly easily without it becoming damaged. Cosmetically it is also a darker wood meaning it would be best suited for a kitchen with a rustic feel. It can however also be quite expensive and is not as widely produced as many other wooden utensils.

Conclusion

So, what’s the best wood for cooking utensils? For a lightweight, practical and eco-friendly choice Bamboo kitchen utensils are the most popular on the market due to their low price tag and efficiency. However, if you are looking to spend a little more for quality, Olive wood would appear to be the most durable and cosmetically appealing wood for kitchen utensils that will last and look great in your kitchen. Check out our review of the best wooden kitchen utensils here.